medical and health, legal as well other fields of work. We are committed to strict professional ethics to watch over the Lynas project and to hold the Government accountable for its regulator and law enforcer roles.”
The formation of a watch group is crucial since there are many known risks and hazards from rare earth processing, not only in China where the environmental standard was low but also in the USA where environmental protection is stringently enforced. To ensure an acceptable standard of safety for Malaysia to safeguard our environment and public health for now and for the future, a professional watch group independent of Lynas and the Government is essential.
Professor Chan Chee Khoon, an epidemiologist and a health spokesperson for the group has repeatedly warned the Government to take precaution. He said ““Bukit Merah’s legacy includes indiscriminate dumping of radioactive wastes in the greater Ipoh area which was not confined to the ARE refinery and its immediate surroundings. If Lynas’ plans to recycle its radioactive solid wastes fall flat, these wastes will end up (1) in a permanent disposal facility (if it is not aborted due to sustained community resistance, as happened at Papan), (2) in the South China Sea, or (3) in a replay of Ipoh’s experience with indiscriminate dumping of radioactive wastes”.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has made 11 recommendations for Malaysia one of which concerning the capacity of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board. The Parliamentary Select Committee made 31 recommendations and there are other conditions and requirements set by MOSTI, MITI and the AELB in the licensing process.
“The public has the right to know how each and every recommendation, provision, conditions and requirements set by our regulators and the IAEA have been treated to date.” Said Rahiza Zulkifli, a member of the group.
An independent Watch Group is very much in line with the recommendations from both the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) under Section E of the Report on the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) Project released in 2012 and the IAEA in 2011 respectively. Both recommended the need for greater transparency in public engagement and communication on the Lynas project and in each licensing process.
“Our involvement in the watch group stems primarily from our professional duty of care to Malaysia and Malaysians The Watch Group will be additionally supported by relevantly qualified and experienced international experts where and when necessary,” explained Rahiza.
Later this week, the Watch Group will officially write to various Government ministries and authorities as well as Lynas Corporation seeking clarifications and update on the Lynas project. The Watch Group will seek information on the government’s action in relation to the many conditions, recommendations and requirements.
“We as a team are well placed to be part of the process in that we are well qualified and have the technical competency and knowledge to understand the wide range of issues related to the LAMP. We are committed to communicate effectively without fear, favour or prejudice to the public and the government our views and suggestions as an independent public interest group. The Watch Group will raise issues of concerns and to ensure that our Government and Lynas are transparent and accountable to safeguard public safety and the long term well beings of Malaysia.” Concluded Amalia.
